Where to spend (and save) on your build

When it comes to building or renovating, it's easy to fall into the trap of spending money on the things that look impressive but don't necessarily make a real difference to how your home functions or feels. If you're trying to make smart choices, here are a few areas worth investing in — and a few where you can save without regret.

1. Higher Ceilings

Higher ceilings instantly make a space feel grander, lighter, and more expensive. The extra height gives the illusion of space, even in smaller rooms.

2. Thermal Breaks

A small detail with a big payoff. Creating a thermal break between your external and internal walls improves insulation dramatically, keeping your home more comfortable year-round and saving you money on energy bills for years to come.

3. Flooring

Your floors set the tone for your entire home. They take daily wear and tear and aren’t easily (or cheaply) replaced later. Spend as much as your budget allows on quality flooring, but save money by sticking to standard colours and simple laying patterns — intricate patterns like herringbone can double the labour cost.

4. Lighting (Especially Natural Light)

Natural light is your cheapest and most beautiful option. Work with your designer to position windows thoughtfully—consider how the sun moves throughout the day to avoid spaces that stay blinded all year. Skylights can be a great alternative, especially in bathrooms. Spend on a few key feature lights and keep the rest simple.

5. Storage & Practical Spaces

You will never regret having well-planned storage. Focus on highly used areas like the kitchen, laundry and entryway. A ‘mud room’ or drop zone near the entry is invaluable for school bags, keys, shoes and all the little things that usually end up dumped on the kitchen bench.

6. Windows & Doors

Double glazing is worth the investment in key areas—especially near busy roads, west-facing walls or noisy neighbours. Elsewhere, energy-efficient glass options like tinted eco-glass can offer good performance at a lower cost.

7. Professional Painting

A beautiful home can be completely let down by a poor paint job. This is one area to leave to the professionals—you’ll thank yourself later.

Save Without Sacrificing:

Tiling:

Full-height wall tiling everywhere isn’t always necessary. Consider tiling just the lower half and using VJ panels or waterproof board above. Choose ceramic or porcelain over marble to achieve a beautiful look without the price tag. A simple niche with feature tiles or strip lighting can give the wow factor without blowing the budget.

Vanities & Fixtures:

Standard vanities come in endless styles these days. Reserve custom cabinetry for areas where it really counts and use off-the-shelf options where you can.

And Finally – The Biggest Saving of All: Stick to the Plan.

Changing your mind mid-build is the fastest way to burn through your budget. Even small changes can create a domino effect on materials, timelines, trades and costs. Make your decisions upfront, trust your instincts, and avoid second-guessing once the build begins.